Hodge to return to Leicestershire

Brad Hodge has accepted a new contract with Leicestershire for next season.

Even though the county had a torrid summer, being relegated in the Championship and the National League, Hodge made his mark in emphatic style. He was Leicestershire's leading scorer with 1,293 runs at an average of 53.87. He also set a new county record with an innings of 302 not out against Nottinghamshire.

James Whitaker, Leicestershire's director of cricket, said: "Brad had many outstanding performances for Leicestershire during 2003. While scoring over 1400 first-class runs at an average of over 50, he scored five first-class centuries including a score of 300.

"Playing for Victoria, Brad has made a tremendous start to the new Australian season with scores of 101, 107 not out and 50 not out in the first three one-day league games, and he also scored 111 not out against the powerful New South Wales side in a four-day league game.

"I am delighted that he has agreed to play for the club during the 2004 season. I know that Brad's enthusiasm and desire for continuous improvement can influence the development of all the players at the club."

And Hodge himself was just as pleased: "I am very excited about the opportunity of again playing for Leicestershire," he said. "During the 2004 season I will be very keen to help the club, both on and off the field, to the best of my abilities."

While Hodge remains in the squad, Trevor Ward, Jamie Grove and Matt Whiley have all been released, and Devon Malcolm has retired.